Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea AGREEMENT, Barcelona BOMB, Man Utd to APPOINT Solskjaer?

Cameron Smith

• 6 Jan 2026 07:47 GMT
• 6 min read

News

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major stories, including the latest on Liam Rosenior, Joao Cancelo and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Manchester United and Chelsea managerial update

Both Manchester United and Chelsea are searching for a new head coach following the departures of Ruben Amorim and Enzo Maresca, although Romano has confirmed that only one club is close to a new appointment.

He told his YouTube channel: “Man Utd have taken the decision to dismiss Ruben Amorim with immediate effect and the club are now assessing their next steps, with a strong possibility of appointing a caretaker manager until the end of the season before moving for a permanent solution in the summer.

“That said, Man Utd may still explore opportunities in the market and could decide to appoint a permanent manager immediately, depending on the options available. The club will take time to evaluate the situation before making a final call.”

Romano continued: “On the Chelsea side, the agreement is now completed for Liam Rosenior, who is set to become the new head coach of the Blues.

“The former Strasbourg manager is expected to take over imminently, following the completion of all formal steps, as previously reported.”

Barcelona move for Joao Cancelo

Meanwhile, Barcelona are set to re-sign Joao Cancelo on loan from Al-Hilal until the end of the 2025-26 season.

“The major exclusive update of the day concerns Joao Cancelo and Barcelona,” Romano said. “After initial scepticism when this story first emerged weeks ago, Barcelona have now submitted an official bid to Al Hilal.

“The proposal is for a loan deal until the end of the season, with Barcelona prepared to cover a small portion of the player’s substantial salary in Saudi Arabia. This marks a key moment, as negotiations are now entering a decisive phase.

“As previously reported, Inter had reached a verbal agreement with Al Hilal on a potential swap deal, which would have seen one of Stefan de Vrij or Francesco Acerbi move to Saudi Arabia, with Cancelo joining Inter. However, the player never accepted that solution, choosing instead to wait for Barcelona before making any decision.

“This patience has now been rewarded, with Barcelona officially entering the race. Barcelona will be in Saudi Arabia for the Super Cup in the coming days, and this could allow talks to progress quickly on the ground. What is clear is that Barcelona are now actively negotiating to sign Cancelo, and the player’s preference is to return to Barcelona. This is a story set to develop rapidly.”

Juventus interest in Federico Chiesa

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has been linked with a return to Italy for several months and Romano has now revealed that Juventus are keen to bring him back to Turin.

“Another important story comes from Italy, where Juventus have officially expressed interest in bringing Federico Chiesa back,” the transfer expert admitted.

“The club have informed people close to the player of their intentions. Chiesa may be open to a return, but he remains professional and respectful towards Liverpool, leaving the final decision in the hands of the club.

“For Juventus, the interest is genuine, but everything now depends on Liverpool’s stance. There is no indication that Chiesa is pushing for a move, and there is currently no green light from Liverpool. Juventus see him as an ideal profile, offering pace, quality and versatility, particularly as a rotational option. Talks remain at an early stage.”

Current ETV

Federico Chiesa

F (CR)

Liverpool

Federico Chiesa

F (CR)

Liverpool

€20.1M

ETV Range

€18.1M - €22.1M

View full profile

Man City want Marc Guehi

FootballTransfers understands that Manchester City are in talks over a January deal for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, and Romano has confirmed that a deal could take place this month.

He admitted: “Man City are dealing with an injury setback, as Josko Gvardiol is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. In response, the club have recalled Max Alleyne from his loan at Watford, where he had been performing at a very high level. The recall adds another option for Pep Guardiola, although City could still look to add an additional defender in January.

“Man City’s interest in Marc Guehi is confirmed, aligning with reports from the BBC. City are considering a move in the January transfer window, while Liverpool also remain keen, either in January or in the summer. Liverpool had a deal collapse late in the previous window due to Crystal Palace’s position, but their interest has not faded. Several clubs are monitoring Guehi, who could leave on a free transfer in the summer.

Ruben Amorim contract truth

Finally, Romano has clarified that Man Utd will be forced to pay Amorim for the remainder of his contract, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is interested in an Old Trafford return.

“It is important to clarify the situation regarding Ruben Amorim. This was a club decision, not a resignation. Amorim remains under contract with Man Utd until 2027, meaning the club will continue to pay his salary unless another club negotiates an exit in the coming months,” Romano said.

“Amorim had publicly stated that he would not resign, and less than 24 hours later the club chose to end his tenure.

“In the short term, Darren Fletcher is expected to be on the touchline for the upcoming midweek fixtures. Regarding rumours from England, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be open to returning as caretaker manager and would be willing to help the club if asked. However, there is no decision yet, either on a caretaker or on the permanent managerial appointment, which remains the most crucial choice.

“Internal discussions are ongoing as Man Utd decide their next step following Amorim’s dismissal.”

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